Choosing a Treatment Option

Testicular Cancer Experts

The Testicular Cancer Resource Center maintains a list of "Testicular Cancer Experts". It is important to know that each year, in the U.S., there are approximately 8500 cases of testicular cancer diagnosed and according to the American Board of Medical Specialties there are approximately 11,700 board certified urologists. This means that not every urologist may be the most experienced in treating testicular cancer because there just aren't that many cases to go around. Some urologists may only treat a few cases a year or even less. While testicular cancer treatments are fairly straight forward there are instances when seeking care from an "expert in testicular cancer" may be warranted. The Testicular Cancer Society suggests that if you are diagnosed in an advanced stage or you appear to not be responding to initial treatments that you should consider contacting a physician that has expertise in the testicular cancer field.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of 21 of the top cancer institutions in the U.S. The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published their testicular cancer guidelines which are available to help clinicians in treating those patients with testicular cancer. The guidelines cover, staging, prognosis, treatment options and post-treatment follow up schedules.

Clinical Trials for Testicular Cancer

The National Comprehansive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines state, "NCCN believes that the best management for any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged." Clinical trials are very important in the development of future cancer treatments. Many people relate clinical trials to the day of placebo controled trials where you either received some sort of therapy or a sugar pill and that is not the case in today's world of medicine. Often times clinical trials are used to compare new treatments to the current "gold standards." We are fortunate that there are very effective treatments for testicular cancer but clinical trials are always an option, especially if we are not responding to traditional treatmet regimens. We used to have to rely on our local doctor to tell us about clinical trials and then the National Insitutes of Health started a clinical trial registry. However, this registry is not the most user friendly. We now have CureLauncher which just happens to be founded by a two-time testicular cancer survivor.

[Note: On CureLauncher's trial selections you may not see testicular cancer but they do have trials so simpll give them a call at (800) 488-6632]

CureLauncher provides free Personalized Clinical Trial Matching. They empower cancer patients and caregivers to know ALL of their new treatment options.

CureLauncher is patient-centered and survivor-inspired. They were co-founded by a two-time cancer survivor and an FDA-regulatory advisory. CureLauncher focuses on the patient first, and then finds clinical trials that match each person’s unique goals and conditions. They are the only clinical trial referral company that gives people access to ALL enrolling clinical trials.

They have translated the medical jargon into easy-to-understand language. Their Relationship Managers support people through every step of the process, from learning about clinical trials to scheduling an appointment. They are your personal advocates. www.curelauncher.com